We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Marla Finley. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Marla below.
Marla, appreciate you joining us today. So, let’s start with trends – what are some of the largest or more impactful trends you are seeing in the industry?
One of the biggest trends I am seeing in my clients is the desire for a more luxury travel experience. Seasoned cruisers, for example, are looking for more intimate vessels that offer personalized service and unique itineraries. Many of these luxury cruise lines also offer all inclusive accommodations that include unlimited fine dining, premium beverages and unique excursions in exciting destinations. Clients often think that these types of vacations are out of reach because of their price point, but many times are pleasantly surprised that when you account for all the inclusions it is much more affordable that you think. Whether you are cruising down the Danube in Germany on an AmaWaterways ship, island hopping in Greece on a SilverSea cruise ship, or hoisting the sails in the Mediterranean on a SeaCloud Yacht, you are sure to experience the best that the world has to offer.
For those clients that prefer to keep both feet on land, I am seeing an increase in requests for private tours and excursions, and tailor made itineraries that take into account their personal goals for their vacations. I’ve had clients want to trace their ancestors in Ireland and we connected with a local genealogist to make that happen. Clients this summer traveling to Italy are going to take a day trip with a translator to meet relatives who live in a small village outside of Florence. When I send clients to Capri, I always book them with my favorite local guide who personally took myself and friends around the island on his private boat complete with homemade wine and fruit from his orchard. Having a travel advisor who is well travelled with connections around the world makes a difference in the client’s experience.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
After years of planning all my own and my friends travel, I constantly heard “you should be a travel advisor” and finally made the leap to join the industry in 2022. I view myself as a personal concierge to my clients. I take time to discuss with my clients their vision for their vacation, their interests and budget and hand craft each itinerary to meet their goals. From booking flights and accommodations to arranging local tours and activities, I will take care of every detail, leaving my clients with nothing to worry about expect savoring the journey.
I have travelled extensively around the world and have made it my passion to help others experience new cultures, destinations and ideas through travel. Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic getaway in Cabo, an adventure in Italy, or a family retreat in the Hawaii, I am your go-to specialist. I can help guide you to the finest resorts, hidden beaches and vibrant local experiences, creating a vacation that surpasses all expectations.
Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.
When I started in the travel industry I was a stay at home mom looking for some “me time” and to make a little extra money on the side. Little did I know it would quickly grow into a thriving business! I originally planned to work part time and quickly realized there was a huge market in my area for travel advisors. As people were readjusting after Covid, they were itching to get out and get back to traveling. Countries were lifting their travel restrictions and resorts and hotels were eager for clients to return. Many people were ready to branch out beyond the simple quick trip and wanted to take longer, more extensive vacations in Europe especially. Planning a multi-stop vacation in a foreign country can be overwhelming and clients were interested in having a professional help craft their itineraries. This was the perfect niche for me as I love European travel and planning larger, elaborate trips. I began by marketing my services to family and friends and then through word of mouth began getting other clients. Between repeat customers, referrals and social media I have grown my small “side hustle” into a successful small business selling over a million dollars in travel in 2024.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
I have always been what one would call a “people person”…having never met a stranger, I can strike up a conversation with just about anyone. I think this puts people at ease when they are unsure of what they are wanting in a vacation, have no idea what budget is appropriate, etc. Planning a big vacation can be stressful and when a client works with me my goal is to take the stress away so they can focus on the fun parts of planning and enjoy their vacation. Do things ever go wrong? Of course, that’s life. But when working with me as a client you have someone on your side to handle the obstacles while you enjoy your vacation. A great example is when clients were on a once in a lifetime trip to Italy. We had planned a fabulous day on a private boat around Capri and the weather forecast called for rain. Instead of my clients having to spend time during their vacation rearranging their tours and finding alternatives, they enjoyed aperol spritz’s at a cute cafe while I got them rescheduled for another day to Capri, changed their ferry tickets to accommodate the new date, and booked them in an Italian cooking class for the day it was raining. This type of experience makes clients want to come home and recommend my services to their friends and family. I have built a reputation in the market through these recommendations from my clients.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.travelbymarla.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travelbymarla_vv/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelbymarla
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/travelbymarla/
